2009 Audi Q5 Among Top Compact Luxury SUVs in Towing, Mileage

According to Audi, its upcoming Q5 compact premium SUV has not only best-in-class fuel economy, but also secures the title for towing capacity.

After perusing both manufacturer's and the official EPA's Web sites, we found that the competition was stiff for fuel economy ratings. The 2009 BMW X3 has a slightly better highway estimated EPA mpg rating of 24 mpg (versus the Audi's 23), but is off 1 mpg on its city rating (17 vs 18 for the Q5). We'd be more inclined to call this a draw.

In the towing capacity battle, the Q5 fairly thrashes its named competitors -- the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2 HSE and Lexus RX350. All can tow cargo, so long as it's less than 3,500 lbs (or 1,500 lbs in the Acura RDX's case, and none in the Infiniti's). Meanwhile, the little SUV from Ingolstadt can haul 4,400 lbs.

We found the Audi Q5 to be quite the performer (and looker) during our First Drive in Europe. It's got the brand's classic, clean styling lines adopted from the current A4/A5, and is filled with the usual Audi creature comforts. As such, the latest all-wheel drive system controls the 18-in. wheels (20-in. optional) and is powered by a potent 3.2L V-6 (270-hp/242 lb-ft) engine. A smooth, quick-shifting six-speed Triptronic transmission delegates the power sufficiently. Safe to say, even despite the less than ideal time to launch an SUV, the Q7's baby brother is poised to make an impact on the fledgling -- though expanding -- luxury CUV segment.

Here's some more basic info for comparison:

Source: Audi